The LA Daily News reports that even in the midst of five losses in seven games, and losses to last-place teams, coach Phil Jackson surveys his roster and feels comfortable with what he sees.

Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal are in sync, newcomer Samaki Walker has been a solid replacement for Horace Grant, and the bench is so deep that Brian Shaw and Mitch Richmond could finish a chess match between shifts in the rotation.

The Lakers' needs are few, and what they need most probably isn't available, so the Feb. 21 trade deadline probably will come and go without a move.

"You always say yes, you can always improve your basketball club. But I like the basketball team I'm coaching," Jackson said. "I think there's some things we can do better and I think the players are starting to learn how to play together in this form of offense. But we're still not totally proficient at it.

"And yet bringing new people on board isn't going to solve any problems. It's within us. Our problems are right here within ourselves."